Cloak & Silence Read Online Free PDF

body, and even then he kept the room as dark as possible so that no one knew the full weight of the shame he carried with him.
    “If it makes you feel better, Nykyrian and I both have more scars than you do.”
    And so did Darling.
    He looked up at Syn. “For the record, Syn, it doesn’t make me feel better to know the people I love best have suffered even more than I have. Really doesn’t.”
    Syn placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and gave a light squeeze. “And that’s why we love you , Mari.”
    Maris didn’t respond as Syn started working on his numerous injuries. He did, however, grimace as the pain intensified. If only he could get to a tub of water...
    Damn.
    “You okay?” Syn asked, his voice tense with concern.
    “I’m not going to die. Darling would never forgive me for it.”
    Syn laughed. “Knowing him, he’d follow you into hell if you did and drag you back out.”
    “And all of you would be right by his side, battling demons the whole way, in and out.”
    “Yeah well...we’re stupid that way.”
    Yes, they were. And that was why he was devoted to all of them.
    Syn stood up and wiped his hands on a clean cloth. “Anything I can get for you?”
    Maris shook his head. “Thanks, though.”
    “You need me, buzz. I’m heading back to Zarya.”
    Maris pulled his battlesuit back on as Syn left. Then he stood and returned to Ture’s side. He couldn’t imagine what the two of them had been put through because of his brother’s sadistic madness. Guilt stabbed him hard. He shouldn’t feel responsible for Kyr’s actions and yet he always had.
    “I won’t let him hurt you anymore,” he whispered, brushing his hand through Ture’s hair. “I promise.”
    * * *
    T ure came awake to the sensation of someone starting to pick him up. Thinking it was a League soldier, he opened his eyes, ready to fight, then relaxed as he met Maris’s dark gaze.
    Maris released him instantly. “Sorry, love. I didn’t mean to startle you.”
    Ture smiled at Maris’s deep, pleasant accent. Sometimes he found it difficult to understand Maris’s words. Still, he adored the sound of his lilting cadence. “It’s okay. I’d much rather wake up to you than a League guard.”
    “That’s not exactly a compliment since I’m rather sure the devil himself would be preferable to that.”
    True.
    Ture bit his lip as he realized that while he’d slept Maris had combed his hair and freshened up. Damn, he was exquisite.
    “Maris? Would it be rude if I asked you where you’re from? I know from your accent that you’re not Caronese.”
    “Not rude at all. I’m Phrixian.”
    “Ah.”
    Maris gave him a wicked, taunting grin. “You have no idea, do you?”
    “Not a clue. In fact, if I had a starchart in front of me, I still wouldn’t know where to even start to look for it. I’ve heard of your people, but really know very little other than the name.”
    “That is a personal choice.” Maris winked at him. “We don’t like or trust outsiders so we’re not real forthcoming with details about our people or territories.”
    “Really?”
    He nodded. “If you’re ready, we docked about ten minutes ago. Zarya wants you taken to the palace with her until Syn clears you, health wise. She said you don’t have anyone at home to watch over you.”
    “I would argue, but she’s right.” The only person in his apartment was Anachelle, and he was taking care of her. She was in no shape to watch over him as he healed.
    When he started to get up, Maris stopped him. He indicated the machine pole next to the bed. “You’re still attached, love.”
    Syn reentered the room. “How’s he doing?”
    “Not the doctor.”
    Syn rolled his eyes at Ture over Maris’s words. “He always says that.”
    Maris held his hands up in a very feminine and adorable gesture. “Hey, I respect expertise and when it comes to health, I know nothing. Especially not about other races.”
    Without a word, Syn detached the bed from the wall so